Supporting the Next Generation of Power Engineers: A Guide for Schools and Mentors

Australia’s energy sector is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. As renewable energy, electrification and digital networks expand, the demand for skilled power engineers is growing rapidly. High school teachers, school staff and mentors play a critical role in helping students understand this opportunity and see themselves as part of the future energy workforce. 

Start with awareness, not assumptions 

Many students – and adults – are unfamiliar with what power engineering actually involves. Beyond “keeping the lights on”, power engineers design, build and operate the systems that deliver electricity safely and reliably to homes, hospitals, transport and industry. Teachers can support students by introducing power engineering as a real-world application of maths, physics, systems thinking and problem solving, rather than a niche or abstract career path. 

Connect learning to real-world impact 

Students are often motivated by purpose. Power engineering offers a tangible link between classroom learning and social impact – from supporting decarbonisation and climate goals, to ensuring communities have reliable energy. Highlighting how engineering decisions affect everyday life can make STEM subjects feel relevant and meaningful, particularly for students who may not initially see themselves as “technical”. 

API Solar Buddy - Old Orchard Primary

Encourage curiosity and confidence in STEM 

Confidence, not capability, is often the barrier – especially for girls and students from under-represented backgrounds. School staff and mentors can help by actively encouraging students to pursue advanced maths and science subjects, challenging stereotypes about who becomes an engineer, and celebrating diverse role models. Small interventions, such as positive reinforcement or sharing stories of engineers with varied backgrounds, can have a lasting influence. 

Provide exposure to pathways and people 

Careers in power engineering are not linear, and students benefit from seeing the range of pathways available. Universities, industry bodies and employers offer programs, scholarships, work experience and talks that bring the sector to life. Partnering with organisations such as Australian Power Institute can help schools connect students with industry-informed resources, engineers willing to speak in classrooms, and programs designed specifically to support young people into the power sector. 

Normalise exploration, not early certainty 

Students do not need to have their career mapped out in high school. Teachers and mentors can reduce pressure by framing engineering as an option to explore, not a commitment to make immediately. Encouraging students to stay open, try STEM subjects, attend industry sessions or ask questions helps keep doors open rather than narrowing choices too early. 

Your influence matters For many students, a teacher or mentor is the first person to suggest engineering as a possibility. By providing accurate information, encouragement and exposure, school staff play a powerful role in shaping the future workforce that will design, operate and lead Australia’s energy system. 

Supporting students into power engineering is not about having all the answers – it’s about sparking interest, building confidence and helping young people see where their skills could take them. 

API Solar Buddy - Treeby Primary School WA